US Bridges

NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek

Good

Thayer County, Nebraska · 6N Hebron · Structure no. S081 01847R

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
237 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,495
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,495 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,968 by 2038. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesNB US81
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location6N Hebron
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates40.2548, -97.5764
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.7 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,495 (2018)
Projected traffic7,968 by 2038
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2021.

How much traffic does NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 5,495 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns NB US81 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.